Pitch training aid

ABSTRACT

Pitch training apparatus and methods of using a pitch training apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a stand including two support structures, and a barrier, positioned between the two support structures, configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through the barrier when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier. The barrier is positioned over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two support structures. An outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form. The shape and position of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch the sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to pitching aids and, inparticular, to pitch training aids incorporating strategicallypositioned barriers for directing pitches of sports balls, increasingthe pitching accuracy of users.

BACKGROUND

Pitch training apparatuses generally include targets and/or guidingmechanisms configured and positioned to train a pitcher to be able topitch a sports ball (e.g., a baseball, softball, etc.) within adesignated strike zone for a batter. However, there are many locationswithin a designated strike zone at which there is a greater likelihoodthat a batter will be able to make contact with a pitched ball. Standardpitch training apparatuses and systems, which aid the pitcher in aimingfor the strike zone, will not aid in helping pitchers avoid pitching tothese easier-to-hit areas. Additionally, it may be advantageous, on acase-by-case basis, for a pitcher to pitch outside of the strike zone.Standard pitch training apparatuses and systems would additionally notaid pitchers to pitch to these areas outside of the strike zone.

In view of the above, it is advantageous for a pitcher to be able topitch to specific locations accurately and precisely within and outsideof a designated strike zone. Furthermore, since a strike zone is basedon the physical characteristics of a batter, the dimensions and positionof the strike zone can change from batter to batter, and it isadvantageous for a pitcher to be able to adjust accordingly to adynamically changing strike zone over the course of a game.

For at least these reasons, a pitch training apparatus is needed fortraining pitchers to aim for designated areas within a strike zone andoutside of a strike zone, and which is capable of dynamic alteration toenable the pitch training apparatus to be altered to redirect the aim ofthe pitcher.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a pitch trainingapparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a stand including twosupport structures, and a barrier, positioned between the two supportstructures, configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through thebarrier when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier. Thebarrier is positioned over at least a portion of a designated strikezone between the two support structures. An outer edge of the barrierforms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least oneprotrusion extending from the central form. The shape and position ofthe barrier is configured to train a user to pitch the sports ball so asto avoid the barrier.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus includes one or moresecuring mechanisms. The barrier is secured to each of the two supportstructures via the one or more securing mechanisms.

According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanismsincludes one or more elastic bands configured to be secured to both thebarrier and the stand, causing the barrier to be stretched between thetwo support structures.

According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanismsare adjustable, enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality ofpositions between the two support structures.

According to various embodiments, the two support structures eachinclude a plurality of connection points for securing the one or moresecuring mechanisms to the two support structures.

According to various embodiments, for each of the two supportstructures, each of the plurality of connection points are spacedequidistant from adjacent connection points.

According to various embodiments, the barrier includes a plurality ofconnection points for connecting the one or more securing mechanisms tothe barrier.

According to various embodiments, the barrier includes one or more ofnetting, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, glass, and/or other suitablematerials.

According to various embodiments, the central form is rectangular,circular, oblong, triangular, rhomboid, and/or other suitable shapes.

According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion isconfigured to be removably secured to the central form.

According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes aplurality of protrusions.

According to various embodiments, the shape of the barrier is a “T”shape.

According to various embodiments, the stand is configured to maintain adistance between the two support structures.

According to various embodiments, the sports ball is a baseball orsoftball.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of usinga pitch training apparatus is provided. The method includes assembling abarrier, wherein an outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shapehaving a central form and at least one protrusion extending from thecentral form. The assembling includes securing the at least oneprotrusion to the central form. The method further includes securing thebarrier to a stand. The stand includes two support structures. Thebarrier is secured to the two support structures via one or moresecuring mechanisms. The securing includes positioning the barrier overat least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two supportstructures. The shape and position of the barrier is configured to traina user to pitch the sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.

According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanismsincludes one or more elastic bands, and the securing includes securingthe one or more elastic bands to both the barrier and to the stand,stretching the barrier between the two support structures.

According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanismsare adjustable, enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality ofpositions between the two support structures, and the method furtherincludes repositioning and resecuring the barrier between the twosupport structures after securing the barrier between the two supportstructures.

According to various embodiments, the two support structures eachinclude a plurality of connection points for securing the one or moresecuring mechanisms to the two support structures.

According to various embodiments, for each of the two supportstructures, each of the plurality of connection points are spacedequidistant from adjacent connection points.

According to various embodiments, the barrier includes a plurality ofconnection points for connecting the one or more securing mechanisms tothe barrier, and the securing further includes securing the barrier tothe stand includes securing the one or more securing mechanisms to theplurality of connection points.

According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion isconfigured to be removably secured to the central form, and assemblingthe barrier further includes removing a first protrusion from thecentral form, and securing a second protrusion to the central form.

According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes aplurality of protrusions.

According to various embodiments, the shape of the barrier is a “T”shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Having thus described example implementations of the disclosure ingeneral terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pitch training apparatus, according toone or more example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pitch training apparatus, according toone or more example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pitch training apparatus, according toone or more example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a barrier of a pitch training apparatus,according to one or more example implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4B is a front view of a barrier of a pitch training apparatus,according to one or more example implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4C is a front view of a barrier of a pitch training apparatus,according to one or more example implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4D is a front view of a barrier of a pitch training apparatus,according to one or more example implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4E is a front view of a barrier of a pitch training apparatus,according to one or more example implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4F is a front view of a barrier of a pitch training apparatus,according to one or more example implementations of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of using a pitch training apparatus,according to one or more example implementations of the presentdisclosure.

Each figure shown in this disclosure shows a variation of theembodiments presented, and only differences will be discussed in detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be describedmore fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown.Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theimplementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementationsare provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in theart. Also, something may be shown or described as being to a first,second, third, or the like should not be taken to imply a specificorder, unless otherwise stated. Further, although reference may be madeherein to a number of measures, predetermined thresholds and the likesuch as dollar amounts, units, percentages and the like, according towhich aspects of example implementations may operate; unless statedotherwise, any or all of the measures/predetermined thresholds may beconfigurable. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Example implementations of the present disclosure are generally directedto dynamic systems and apparatuses for training a user to pitch a sportsball (e.g., baseball, softball, etc.). Example implementations will beprimarily described in the context of pitch training systems andapparatuses for use with baseballs and softballs. It should beunderstood, however, that example implementations may be equallyapplicable to any of a number of other projectiles such as, e.g.,footballs, ping pong balls, tennis balls, and the like. It is to beunderstood that, as used herein, “sports ball” could include anysuitable targeted projectile for use in sports.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a pitch trainingapparatus 100 is illustratively depicted.

According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 isconfigured to train users (e.g., pitchers) to pitch a sports ball intodesignated zones. The zones are configured to aid in maximizing theuser's ability to throw a pitch to secure a swing from a batter whichalso increasing a chance that the batter will miss the pitched sportsball during play, securing a strike.

According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100includes a stand 105 configured to secure a barrier 110 at a desiredposition.

According to various embodiments, the stand 105 includes a plurality ofsupport structures 115. The stand 105, as depicted in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , includes two support structures 120, 125. It is noted, however,that other numbers of support structures 115 may be incorporated intothe stand 105 as needed.

According to some embodiments, support structure 120 and supportstructure 125 are separate structures, each used to aid in securing thebarrier 110 between the support structures 115. According to someembodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2 , the support structures 115 areinterconnected through a connection means. For example, the supportstructures 115 may be couple directly to each other and/or connectedthrough a connection member 130.

According to various embodiments, each of the support structures 115includes a foot portion 135. The foot portion 135 is configured to aidin maintaining the stand 105 in an upright position. According to someembodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3 , the foot portions 135 areinterconnected via one or more connection members 140 configured to aidin maintaining a set distance between the support structures 115.

According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 is secured to thestand 105 between the support structures 115. The barrier 110 isconfigured to prevent a sports ball from passing through the barrier 110when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier 110 such as,e.g., when pitched toward the barrier 110. The barrier 110 includesmaterials and/or configurations of materials suitable for preventing thesports ball from passing through the barrier 110. For example, thebarrier 110 may include plastic, fiber, rope, rubber, wood, glass,metal, and/or other suitable materials. Some or all of the barrier 110can be in the form of netting configured to receive the sports ball whenthe sports ball comes into contact with the barrier 110.

The barrier 110 is configured to be positioned over at least a portionof a designated strike zone 145 between the support structures 115. Astrike zone is a designated area through which a pitched sports ballwould be considered a strike even if a batter does not swing the bat.For example, in a configuration, the pitch training apparatus 100 may bepositioned over a home plate 150, and the barrier 110 positioned overthe home plate 150 at over a designated strike zone. According tovarious embodiments, the barrier 110 is configured to be repositionedbased on the position/dimensions of the designated strike zone 145and/or based on the areas at which it is desired to train the user topitch the sports ball.

According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 includes an outer edge155 which forms a shape. The shape of the barrier 110 can take variousforms, depending on the dimensions needed for the desired pitch trainingof the user. Various shape configurations for the barrier are shown, infurther detail, in FIGS. 4A-4F. It is noted, however, that the barrier110, according to various embodiments, can include other suitable shapeswhile maintaining the spirit and functionality of the presentdisclosure. According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 has atotal width of approximately 5-40 inches and a total height ofapproximately 5-40 inches. It is noted, however, that the barrier 110may incorporate other dimensions as suitable for enabling pitch trainingfor the user.

The shape has a central form 160 and at least one protrusion 165extending from the central form 160. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, thebarrier 110 includes two protrusions 165. It is noted, however, that thebarrier 110 may include greater or fewer protrusions 165 whilemaintaining the spirit and function of the present disclosure. As shownin FIGS. 4A-4B, the central form 160 and the protrusions 165 form a “T”shape. It is noted, however, that the central form 160 and at least oneprotrusion 165 can form other suitable shapes while maintaining thespirit and function of the present disclosure. According to someembodiments, the center form 160 is used absent the one or moreprotrusions 165.

According to various embodiments, the “T” shape is configured to enablepitching coaches and instructors to specifically force a user (e.g., apitcher) of the pitch training apparatus 100 to pitch toward one or moredesignated zones of the strike zone 145 in, e.g., the sports of baseballand softball. Successful pitchers are able to consistently throw a pitchinto the river (6″ off both sides of the home plate 150) of the homeplate 150. According to various embodiments, the pitch trainingapparatus 100 is further configured to properly train a user to pitch inthe upper zone (rise) and lower zone (drop) sections of the strike zone145, and trains users, through repetition, to not to throw pitches intothe center of the strike zone 145.

In order to increase the precision and accuracy of a user's pitch, theshape and position of the barrier 110 are configured to train the userto pitch a sports ball so as to avoid the barrier 110. As shown in FIGS.4A-4F, the central form 160 is rectangular in shape. However, it isnoted that the central form 160 may include other shapes. For example,the central form 160 may be triangular in shape, circular in shape, ovalin shape, rhomboid in shape, may include sharp and/or rounded edges,and/or may include other suitable shapes. According to variousembodiments, the shape of the central form 160 and/or the shape of theat least one protrusion 165 are designed to facilitate the pitchtraining of the user by being shaped to direct the user to pitch thesports ball at a specific location and/or locations.

According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100includes one or more securing mechanisms 170 configured to secure thebarrier 110 to the plurality of support structures 115. According tovarious embodiments, the barrier 110 is secured to each of the supportstructures 115 via the one or more securing mechanisms 170.

According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms170 includes one or more structures for causing the barrier 110 to betaut between the plurality of support structures 115. For example, asshown in FIGS. 1-3 , the securing mechanisms 170 includes one or moreelastic bands 175 configured to be secured to both the barrier 110 andthe support structures 115, causing the barrier 110 to be stretched tautbetween the support structures 115, enabling the position of the barrier110 between the support structures 115 to be maintained. It is noted,however, that other suitable securing mechanisms 170 may be used, whilestill maintaining the spirit and functionality of the presentdisclosure. For example, the securing mechanisms 170 may include rope,wire, chain, and/or other suitable securing mechanisms 170 for securingthe barrier 110 taut between the support structures 115. According tovarious embodiments, the tautness of the barrier 110 between the supportstructures 115 is aided by the support structures 115 being maintainedat the set distance apart from each other.

According to various embodiments, the support structures 115 areconfigured to maintain a set distance apart from each other. Accordingto various embodiments, the support structures 115 maintain distancefrom each other through physical separating means (e.g., connectionmembers 130, 140), via weighted support structures, weights added to thesupport structures 115, one or more anchor points on an underside of thesupport structures 115, and/or through other suitable means formaintaining the distance between the support structures 115. The supportstructures 115 can include metal, plastic, rubber, wood, PVC, and/orother suitable materials. According to various embodiments, the pitchtraining apparatus 100 is movable. For example, the pitch trainingapparatus 100 may include one or more wheels 190 coupled to the supportstructures 115 configured to enable the pitch training apparatus 100 tobe rolled. In some embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 mayinclude one or more handles configured to aid in lifting the pitchtraining apparatus 100.

According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms170 are adjustable, enabling the barrier 110 to be secured at aplurality of positions between the support structures 115. According tovarious embodiments, one or more of the support structures 115 includesa plurality of connection points 180 for securing the one or moresecuring mechanisms 170 to the support structures 115. According to someembodiments, some or all of the plurality of connection points 180 areadjustably secured to the support structures 115, enabling theconnection points 180 to be repositioned along the support structures115. According to various embodiments, some or all of the plurality ofconnection points 180 are permanently affixed to the support structures115. According to some embodiments, for some or all of the supportstructures 115, each of the plurality of connection points 180 arespaced equidistant from adjacent connection points 180. For example, theplurality of connection points 180 may be approximately 6″ apart. It isnoted, however, that other distances may be used, while maintaining thespirit and functionality of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 includes a pluralityof connection points 185 for securing the one or more securingmechanisms 170 to the barrier 110, enabling the barrier 110 to becoupled to the support structures 115 via the one or more securingmechanisms 170 being coupled to the connection points 180 of the supportstructures 115 and the connection points 185 of the barrier 110.

According to various embodiments, some or all of the at least oneprotrusion 165 are permanently secured to the central form 160.According to some embodiments, some or all of the at least oneprotrusion 165 are removably secured to the central form 160. Accordingto various embodiments, the central form 160 and/or the at least oneprotrusion 165 are configured such that the at least one protrusion 165can be removed from and/or repositioned along the central form 160.According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion 165 aresecured to the central form 160 via the one or more securing mechanisms170, as shown, e.g., in the pitch training apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 .According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion 165 aresecured to the central form 160 via separate securing means, which mayinclude, e.g., hooks, loops, grommets, adhesive, hook and loopfasteners, buttons, snap button fasteners, and/or other suitablesecuring means.

The connection points 180 of the support structures 115 and theconnection points 180 of the barrier 110 can be of suitable design forcoupling to the one or more securing mechanisms 170. The connectionpoints 180 of the support structures 115 and the connection points 180of the barrier 110 can be, for example, hooks, loops, grommets hookand/or loop fasteners, buttons and/or button receptacles, snap buttonfasteners, and/or other suitable connection points.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , a method 200 for using a pitch trainingapparatus is illustratively depicted.

At 205, a barrier for the pitch training apparatus is assembled.According to various embodiments, the barrier has an outer edge whichforms a shape. The shape has a central form and at least one protrusionextending from the central form. According to various embodiments, someor all of the at least one protrusion are permanently secured to thecentral form. According to some embodiments, some or all of the at leastone protrusion are removably secured to the central form. According tovarious embodiments, assembling the barrier includes securing the atleast one protrusion to the central form via one or more securingmechanisms.

At 210, the barrier is secured to the stand. According to variousembodiments, the stand includes at least two support structures. Thebarrier is secured to the at least two support structures via one ormore securing mechanisms. According to various embodiments, the securingincludes positioning the barrier over at least a portion of a designatedstrike zone between the at least two support structures. According tovarious embodiments, the position and/or the shape of the barrier can beadjusted such that the shape and/or position of the barrier areconfigured to aid in training a user to pitch a sports ball so as toavoid the barrier.

According to various embodiments, the one or more protrusions aresecured to the central form via the one or more securing mechanisms forsecuring the barrier to the support structures, and assembling thebarrier, at 205, and securing the barrier to the stand, at 210, areperformed in conjunction with each other.

According to various embodiments, the barrier and/or the at least twosupport structures include one or more connection points for connectingto the one or more securing mechanisms for connecting the barrier to thetwo or more support structures via the one or more securing mechanisms.According to various embodiments, securing the barrier to the standincludes securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the one or moreconnection points on the barrier and/or one or more of the at least twosupport structures. According to various embodiments, the one or moreconnection points includes a plurality of connection points foradjusting a position of the barrier between the two or more supportstructures. According to various embodiments, at 215, the barrier isremoved from the stand, repositioned, at 220, and, at 210, secured tothe stand.

According to various embodiments, the central form and/or the at leastone protrusion are configured such that the at least one protrusion canbe removed from and/or repositioned along the central form. According tovarious embodiments, once the barrier is removed from the stand, at 215,the one or more protrusions, at 225, are removed from the central form.Once removed, the protrusions, at 230, are altered. Altering theprotrusions can include adding one or more protrusions, removing one ormore protrusions, replacing one or more protrusions (e.g., replacing afirst protrusion with a second protrusion, etc.), and/or repositioningone or more protrusions along the central form. Once the one or moreprotrusions are altered, the barrier, at 205, is assembled.

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thesedisclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosure are not to be limited to the specificimplementations disclosed and that modifications and otherimplementations are intended to be included within the scope of thisdisclosure.

Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe example implementations in the context of certainexample combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative implementations without departing from thescope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

1. A pitch training apparatus, comprising: a stand including two supportstructures; and a barrier, positioned between the two supportstructures, configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through thebarrier when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier,wherein: the barrier is positioned over at least a portion of adesignated strike zone between the two support structures, an outer edgeof the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and atleast one protrusion extending from the central form, and the shape andposition of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch thesports ball so as to avoid the barrier.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising one or more securing mechanisms, wherein the barrieris secured to each of the two support structures via the one or moresecuring mechanisms.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one ormore securing mechanisms includes one or more elastic bands configuredto be secured to both the barrier and the stand, causing the barrier tobe stretched between the two support structures.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the one or more securing mechanisms are adjustable,enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality of positions betweenthe two support structures.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the twosupport structures each include a plurality of connection points forsecuring the one or more securing mechanisms to the two supportstructures.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, for each of the twosupport structures, each of the plurality of connection points arespaced equidistant from adjacent connection points.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the barrier includes a plurality of connection pointsfor connecting the one or more securing mechanisms to the barrier. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barrier includes netting.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the central form is rectangular.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion is configuredto be removably secured to the central form.
 11. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality ofprotrusions.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shape of thebarrier is a “T” shape.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the standis configured to maintain a distance between the two support structures.14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sports ball is a baseball orsoftball.
 15. A method of using a pitch training apparatus, comprising:assembling a barrier, wherein an outer edge of the barrier forms ashape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusionextending from the central form, wherein the assembling includessecuring the at least one protrusion to the central form; securing thebarrier to a stand, wherein: the stand includes two support structures,the barrier is secured to the two support structures via one or moresecuring mechanisms, the securing includes positioning the barrier overat least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two supportstructures, and the shape and position of the barrier is configured totrain a user to pitch a sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein: the one or more securing mechanismsincludes one or more elastic bands, and the securing includes securingthe one or more elastic bands to both the barrier and to the stand,stretching the barrier between the two support structures.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the one or more securing mechanisms areadjustable, enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality ofpositions between the two support structures, and further comprisingrepositioning and resecuring the barrier between the two supportstructures after securing the barrier between the two supportstructures.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the two supportstructures each include a plurality of connection points for securingthe one or more securing mechanisms to the two support structures. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein, for each of the two support structures,each of the plurality of connection points are spaced equidistant fromadjacent connection points.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein: thebarrier includes a plurality of connection points for connecting the oneor more securing mechanisms to the barrier, and the securing furtherincludes securing the barrier to the stand includes securing the one ormore securing mechanisms to the plurality of connection points.
 21. Themethod of claim 15, wherein: the at least one protrusion is configuredto be removably secured to the central form, and assembling the barrierfurther includes: removing a first protrusion from the central form; andsecuring a second protrusion to the central form.
 22. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality ofprotrusions.
 23. The method of claim 15, wherein the shape of thebarrier is a “T” shape.